Phosphate pollution in the Jordan Gulf of Aqaba

In order to assess the magnitude of phosphate pollution in the Jordanian sector of the Gulf of Aqaba, the distribution of total phosphorus, fluoride, calcium and calcium carbonate and their association with each other were determined in sediments collected from seven stations north and south of Aqaba Port. Abnormally high values were found near the phosphate loading berth which decrease with increasing distance from the berth. The results indicate that phosphate pollution is mainly localized in the vicinity of the loading berth although its influence may be detected in other areas along the coast. The level of pollution had increased by at least an order of magnitude since 1978.